Nitrous oxide is a common way for dentists to help their patients feel more at ease when receiving oral healthcare, but there are a few common misconceptions about this treatment that may give people the wrong idea about how it works. The truth is that nitrous oxide is a safe and effective way to reduce discomfort and make necessary dental procedures less stressful. Here’s a quick look at how nitrous oxide works, who it can help, and what sedation feels like.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Work?
Dentists have used nitrous oxide to help their patients receive oral healthcare comfortably for almost two centuries because it reduces stress, makes it harder to feel discomfort, and has no long-term side effects. To sedate the patient, a dentist will fit a mask over their nose. This mask will be attached to a cylinder of nitrous oxide with a hose, and the dentist will be able to control how much gas the patient receives during treatment.
After the patient stops receiving the gas, it will be eliminated from their body in about fifteen minutes. Depending on the procedure performed while they are sedated, patients can expect to be able to drive themselves home or back to work or school afterward and resume their normal daily activities.
Does Nitrous Oxide Make You Fall Asleep?
The effects of nitrous oxide have been grossly exaggerated for comedic effect on television and in movies, and these portrayals are not true to life. Nitrous oxide will not put a patient to sleep or cause them to hallucinate or behave in ways they would not normally. Instead, the gas will simply reduce the patient’s sensitivity to pain and help them feel calm during their treatment. While some patients may feel dizzy or queasy after the treatment, these effects should fade away within minutes after they stop receiving nitrous oxide.
Who Can Nitrous Oxide Help?
Since nitrous oxide has no long-term side effects, it can be an excellent way for virtually everyone to make oral healthcare simpler and more comfortable. However, nitrous oxide may not be the best option for you if:
- You are congested: Nasal congestion can make it difficult for a patient to receive adequate nitrous oxide to feel its effects.
- You have a history of substance abuse: Nitrous oxide may be risky if you are recovering.
- You are pregnant: Your dentist may recommend waiting until after your pregnancy if you need a treatment that requires nitrous oxide sedation.
Don’t let dental anxiety dissuade you from receiving the oral healthcare you need to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Consulting with your dentist can help you find out if sedation dentistry is right for you.
About the Practice
Advanced Smile Design offers the finest oral healthcare in Willow Grove. Led by Drs. Krunal Patel, Poorvi Gandhi, and Deepa Gadde, the staff treats each patient with respect and courtesy while maintaining a warm and friendly office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as sedation services. If you would like to know more about how nitrous oxide works, contact the office on the web or dial (215) 659-3334.
